Functional Responses and Prey-Stage Preferences of a Predatory Gall Midge and Two Predacious Mites with Twospotted Spider Mites, Tetranychus Urticae, as Host.

2.8 MB·English

by  Xiao, Yingfang

Journal of Insect Science: Vol. 13 | Article 8 Xiao et al.

Functional responses and prey-stage preferences of a
predatory gall midge and two predacious mites with
twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae, as host

Yingfang Xiao1a*, Lance S. Osborne1b, Jianjun Chen2c, Cindy L. McKenzie3d

1Department of Entomology and Nematology, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida,
Apopka, FL, USA 32703
2Department of Environmental Horticulture, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida,
Apopka, FL, USA 32703
3U.S. Horticultural Reseach Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL, USA 34945

Abstract
The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an important
pest of vegetables and other economically important crops. This study evaluated the functional
responses and prey-stage preferences of three species of predators, a predatory gall midge,
Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), and two predatory mite species,
Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Amblyseius swirskii (Anthias-
Henriot), with T. urticae as the host, under laboratory conditions. The results showed that F.
acarisuga was highly effective and the two species of predacious mites were moderately effective
in feeding on T. urticae eggs. Logistic regression analysis suggested Type II (convex) functional
responses for all three species. However, based on the estimates of the handling time and the
attacking rates, the three predators had different predation capacities. Among the three species, F.
acarisuga had the highest predation on T. urticae. The maximum daily predation by a larval F.
acarisuga was 50 eggs/day, followed by a female N. californicus (25.6 eggs/day) and a female A.
swirskii (15.1 eggs/day). A female N. californicus produced more eggs than a female A. swirskii
did when they both fed on T. urticae eggs. In addition, all three predator species had no prey-
stage preference for either prey eggs or nymphs. The findings from this study could help select
better biological control agents for effective control of T. urticae and other pests in vegetable
productions.

Keywords: Amblyseius swirskii, Feltiella acarisuga, Neoseiulus californicus, predation, vegetable crops
Correspondence: a [email protected], b [email protected], c [email protected], d [email protected],

*Corresponding author
Editor: TX Liu was editor of this paper.
Received: 28 November 2011 Accepted: 8 June 2012

Copyright : This is an open access paper. We use the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license that permits
unrestricted use, provided that the paper is properly attributed.
ISSN: 1536-2442 | Vol. 13, Number 8

Cite this paper as:

Xiao YF, Osborne LS, Chen JJ, McKenzie CL. 2013. Functional responses and prey-stage preferences of a predatory
gall midge and two predacious mites with twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae, as host. Journal of Insect Science
13:8. Available online: http://www.insectscience.org/13.8
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Introduction The functional response concept first reported
by Holling (1959) has been widely used to
The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus evaluate the effectiveness of predacious
urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an insects and mites (Laing and Osborn 1974;
important pest of vegetables and other Trexler et al. 1988; Clercq et al. 2000; Reis et
economically important crops (Opit et al. al. 2003; Badii et al. 2004; Timms et al. 2008;
2004; Liburd et al. 2007). Both the adult’s and Xiao and Fadamiro 2010). In general, the
immature’s feeding result in leaf abscission, functional response of a predator to a prey
decreased plant vigor, and increased plant could be one of the three response models:
death (Fasulo and Denmark 2000). Due to type I, type II, and type III (Holling 1961;
their high reproductive potential and short life Trexler et al. 1988; Clercq et al. 2000; Timms
cycle, frequent use of miticides has resulted in et al. 2008). In terms of biological control, the
rapid development of miticide resistance, most efficient biological control agents
which has become a major problem for exhibited the type II functional response
chemical control of this pest (Gorman et al. (Pervez and Omkar 2005). Several researchers
2001). In addition, chemical control has been found that logistic regression analysis is the
seriously challenged by the current trend optimal method in determining the true
towards sustainable and environmentally functional response of a predator to a prey,
friendly farming practices (Osborne and and is particularly useful in differentiating
Barrett 2005) and by consumers’ demand for type II and type III responses by estimation of
safe, fresh vegetables (Dabbert et al. 2004). a linear coefficient (Trexler et al. 1998; Clercq
et al. 2000; Timms et al. 2008).
Biological control is considered an effective
alternative to chemical applications for pest The present study was intended to evaluate the
management (Opit et al. 1997). Some reports functional responses and prey-stage
have documented that several predatory mites preferences of Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot)
were effective in control of T. urticae (Rhodes (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Amblyseius swirskii
and Liburd 2006; Fraulo and Liburd 2007; (Anthias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), and
Cakmak et al. 2009). However, other reports Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), with T.
indicated that the use of some predator species urticae eggs as the host, in identical
as biological control agents had low efficacy laboratory conditions. The selection of the
in control of T. urticae on vegetable crops three predator species was based on the
(Opit et al. 1997). The low efficacy could be following considerations. F. acarisuga has
attributed to many factors, including the been documented as an effective predatory
predator species selected and environmental midge for controlling spider mites
conditions where the experiments were (Tetranychidae) (Gillespie et al. 1998, 2000;
conducted. To better understand the Brodsgaard et al. 1999; Mo and Liu 2007;
effectiveness of predator species, a Xiao et al. 2011). A. swirskii is an effective
comparative evaluation of optimal predation predatory mite currently used for controlling
capability of commonly available predators two key pests, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood
against T. urticae under the same conditions is (Arthurs et al., 2009) and Bemisia tabaci, in
needed. greenhouses (Lee et al. 2011; Xiao et al.
unpublished). However, little is known about
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whether A. swirskii suppressed T. urticae maintained on the fully expanded leaves of the
when released to control the other pests.. N. green bean seedlings (~30 days) mentioned
californicus has been used in combination above for two years in air-conditioned rearing
with Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot rooms or greenhouses at the same location.
for the control of T. urticae (Rhodes and The arthropods and plants in the greenhouses
Liburd 2006; Fraulo and Liburd 2007; were monitored daily and watered if needed.
Weintraub and Palevsky 2008; Cakmak et al.
2009). Thus, comparative studies of the Predatory gall midges
predation potential of the three species of The colonies of F. acarisuga, established
predators is a critical first step to select better originally from multiple locations, were
biological control agents for management of maintained on corn mite, Oligonychus
the pests in vegetable production. pratensis (alternative prey), and reared on the
corn leaves for 2–3 generations in air-
The specific objectives of this study were to conditioned rearing rooms and greenhouses at
(1) compare the functional responses of three the location mentioned above. F. acarisuga
predator species to T. urticae under the same and O. pratensis-infested corn leaves were
laboratory conditions, and (2) to determine the placed on trays in plastic transparent
prey-stage preferences of the three predator containers (30 × 40 × 20 cm) with the top
species to T. urticae under laboratory holes covered by screen nets for laboratory
conditions. experimental use. Each tray was isolated by
water to prevent mite escape and maintain leaf
Materials and Methods freshness for up to two weeks.

Host plants Predatory mites
The seeds of the green bean ‘Cangreen’ The colonies of A. swirskii were purchased
(Kelloggs Ag. Service., from Koppert Biological Systems
http://www.kelloggseedservice.com/) were (http://www.koppert.com/) and reared on the
sown on Fafard 2-Mix growing medium mixed pollen of the plastic trays isolated by
(Conrad Fafard, Inc., http://www.fafard.com/). water for 2–3 generations before their use for
The seedlings were transplanted into 8-cm bioassays. The colonies of N. californicus
diameter plastic pots filled with Fafard 2-Mix were purchased from Biocontrol Network,
growing medium and enclosed in proof screen Inc. (http://www.biconet.com/) and were
cages in air-conditioned rearing rooms or reared on mixed stages of T. urticae on green
greenhouses (26 ± 2º C, 60 ± 10% RH, 14:10 bean leaves for 2-3 generations before being
L:D photoperiod) at the University of used for bioassays. All rearing and
Florida’s Mid-Florida Research and Education experiments were conducted under the
Center in Apopka, FL, USA. The seedlings laboratory conditions mentioned above.
were pesticide free, and those with uniform
size and growth vigor were used for the Functional response of the predatory gall
experiments outlined below. midge
Laboratory experiments were conducted to
Pest mites determine the predation of F. acarisuga on T.
Stock colonies of T. urticae established urticae that infested green bean plants based
originally from multiple locations were on the protocols described by Opit et al.
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(1997), Reis et al. (2003), and Xiao and number of the prey eggs killed by the
Fadamiro (2010). Bean leaf discs (2.5 cm predators and the number of eggs laid by each
diameter) were made from same size green predator (numerical response) were recorded
bean plants. To obtain different densities of at 48 hrs after the release of either A. swirskii
cohorts of eggs for functional response or N. californicus.
experiments, different numbers of T. urticae
females (from 2 to 20 per leaf disc) were Types of functional responses and data
transferred from the stock colony to leaf discs analysis
(one female per leaf disc), allowed to lay eggs In general, the type of the functional response
for 24 hrs, and then removed from each leaf of each predator species was determined by a
disc. The number of eggs laid on each leaf binomial logistic regression analysis described
disc was counted, and each leaf disc with a in detail by several researchers (Clercq et al.
range in egg number of 3–5, 6–9, 10–19, 20– 2000, Juliano 2001; Timms et al. 2008; Xiao
29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80– and Fadamiro 2010), in which the equation
100, 101–140, and 141–160 was selected and Ne/N = a + bN + cN2 + dN3 +e was used,
placed on moistened filter paper inside each where Ne is the proportion of killed prey; N is
small Petri dish (3.0 cm diameter × 0.5 cm the number of prey density offered; a is the
depth), respectively. One second instar F. intercept; and b, c, and d are linear, quadratic,
acarisuga larva was released into each small and cubic coefficients, respectively. Type I
dish. Four small Petri dishes were fixed in response was determined by an intercept and
each large Petri dish (15 cm diameter × 1.5 constant positive slope (b) > 0. Type II
cm) filled with the appropriate amount of response was the linear coefficient (b) < 0.
water to isolate each small Petri dish. The Type III response was characterized by the
large Petri dish was sealed with parafilm to linear coefficient (b) > 0 and the quadratic
prevent arthropod escape and leaf drying. coefficient < 0 (Trexler et al. 1988; Clercq et
Each density treatment was replicated six al. 2000; Timms et al. 2008; Xiao and
times. The controls consisted of discs with the Fadamiro 2010).
same density of prey eggs without F.
acarisuga. The number of prey eggs killed by After determining the correct shape of the
the predator was recorded 48 hrs after the functional response, a linearization of
release of F. acarisuga. Holling’s disc equation (Holling 1959) based
on functional response type was used to
Functional response of two species of estimate parameters (Clercq et al. 2000; Xiao
predatory mites and Fadamiro 2010). The Type II equation
The functional responses of two phytoseiid used was: Ne =aNT / (1 + aNT ), where Ne is
h
species to T. urticae eggs were investigated in the number of killed prey, N is the number of
separate bioassays using a similar procedure prey offered, T is the total time available for
as the one described above. The differences the predator, a is the attack rate, and T is the
h
were that one gravid female of either A. handling time. The attack rates and the
swirskii or N. californicus was introduced handling time were estimated to determine
onto each leaf disc rather than F. acarisuga, differences in the functional responses among
and the density of 140–160 eggs per arena the predator species.
was not setup in the experiments. The
treatments were replicated six times. The
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The data on the highest (maximum) number of Nc’ (nymphs) are the numbers of each prey
prey eggs killed for each species (70–79 T. type consumed. This index assigns preference
urticae eggs per arena for A. swirskii and N. values from 0 to 1, where 0.5 represent no
californicus, and 101–140 eggs per arena for preference. The ß value was calculated for
F. acarisuga ) was first normalized by using each replicate and averaged to determine the
the square-root (√ x + 0.5) transformation, and mean ß value for each treatment.
then analyzed with one way analysis of
variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey- Data on prey-stage preferences was first
Kramer honestly significant difference (HSD) normalized by using square-root
test to determine significant differences in the transformation (√ x + 0.5) and then analyzed
maximum number of prey consumed among with student’s t-test for each species at two
the three species (p < 0.05, JMP Version 8.01, given ratios [(1 + 0) and (1 + 1) or (1 + 1) and
SAS Institute Inc. 2009). (0 + 1) (eggs + nymphs)]. Significant
differences between the proportion of each
Prey-stage preference experiment prey stage (eggs versus nymphs) killed were
The prey-stage (egg or nymph) preference of compared by using student’s t-test (p < 0.05,
each of the three predator species was JMP Version 8.01, SAS Institute Inc., 2009).
determined following a similar procedure
described by Blackwood et al. (2001) and
Xiao and Fadamiro (2010). For each
experiment, one second instar F. acarisuga Results
larva or an adult female of each of the two
predatory mites was confined in a 2.5-cm Functional responses
diameter bean leaf disc arena (as described For all three species, logistic regression
above). Each leaf disc contained a single ratio analysis showed that linear coefficient (b) was
of egg to nymph of T. urticae with three < 0, suggesting that the proportion of prey
possible ratios (1 + 0, 1 + 1, 0 + 1) [where (1 eggs killed decreased as a function of egg
+ 0) means 40~60 eggs + 0 nymphs, (1 + 1) density offered, which was the Type II
means 40~60 eggs + 10~15 nymphs, and (0 + (convex) functional response (Table 1). The
1) means 0 eggs + 10–15 nymphs], and were curves of functional responses on T. urticae
tested for prey-stage preference. The eggs by the three predator species were
experiments were replicated 16 times per ratio presented in Figure 1. Natural mortality of
for F. acarisuga and replicated 12 times for prey eggs observed in the control treatment
each of the two predatory mite species. The
Table 1. Estimates of coefficients in a binomial logistic
number of each prey-stage eaten by the regression of the proportion of Tetranychus urticae egg eaten
by Feltiella acarisuga, Amblyseius swirskii, and Neoseiulus
predator was recorded after 48 hrs.
californicus in relation to total eggs provided on bean leaf
discs under laboratory conditions.

Prey-stage preference was first calculated with

the preference index ß (Manly et al. 1972), as

described by Blackwood et al. (2001) and

Xiao and Fadamiro (2010).

The N (eggs) and N’ (nymphs) are the number

of each prey type provided, and Nc (eggs) and

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Table 2. Estimates of functional response parameters from
per arena offered, followed by a N.
linearization of Holling’s Type II model for the three
predators Feltiella acarisuga, Amblyseius swirskii, and Neoseiulus californicus female (~ 25.6 eggs (~35%
californicus fed Tetranychus urticae eggs under laboratory
predation)) and then a A. swirskii female (15.1
conditions. Means in the second column followed by
different letters are significantly different (p < 0.05, ANOVA, eggs (~ 21% predation)) at a prey density of
Tukey HSD).
70–79 eggs per arena (Figure 2). However, at

lower prey densities (< 19 eggs/leaf disc), the

three predator species exhibited similar

(without any predator ) was minimal: 1.5 ± predation, consuming < 5.0 eggs per disc per

0.5%, 1.0 ± 0.3%, and 2.6 ± 0.5%. These day.

results suggested that the three predator

species effectively predated T. urticae eggs. The numerical responses of the two predatory

mites (excluding F. acarisuga larvae)

Comparison of the differences in functional suggested that a N. californicus female

response curves revea led that F. acarisuga produced more eggs than an A. swirskii

responded most vigorously at all densities of female when they fed on prey eggs (Figure 3).

prey offered, followed by N. californicus and The highest number of eggs laid by N.

then A. swirskii. There was significant californicus was 8.0 eggs/female within 48

difference of functiona l responses between F. hrs.

acarisuga and A. swirskii (F =29.46, df = 1,
110, p = 0.0001), between F. acarisuga and Prey-stage preference
N. californicus (F = 9.46, df = 1, 110, p = Based on preference values (β) calculated
0.0024), and between A. swirskii and N. from above format, the values (β) of F.
californicus (F = 7.32, df = 1, 110, p = 0.008). acarisuga, A. swirskii, and N. californicus
Estimates of the parameters [attack rate (a), were 0.491, 0.457, and 0.547, respectively,
handling time (T )] of the functional suggesting the three predator species had no
h
responses for the three predator species prey-stage preference to T.urticae stages
showed that F. acarisuga had the shortest (Figure 4). All three species fed equally on
handling time, followed by A. swirskii and N. both eggs and nymphs of T. urticae
californicus. The three predator species had an irrespective of prey-ratio when eggs and
almost equal attack rate, suggesting the three nymphs were simultaneously provided.
predators had similar feeding behavior. This
model provided a good fit to data as indicated A detailed observation showed that the egg
by high R2 values (Table 2). predation rate by F. acarisuga was ~ 65.7%
when only T. urticae eggs were offered, the
F. acarisuga larvae appeared to be the most nymph predation rate was ~ 62.7% at the
effective predator as they consumed a presence of only nymphs, and the predation
significantly higher number of prey eggs than rates of both eggs and nymphs were ~ 57.5%
the other two predatory mite species when when both eggs and nymphs were offered.
comparing the maximum number of prey eggs There was no significant difference in the egg
killed at a prey density (F = 30.6, df = 2, 12, p predation rate by F. acarisuga between (1 + 0)
= 0.0001). For example, the maximum and (1 + 1) ratio (eggs + nymphs) (t = 1.95, df
number of T. urticae eggs consumed per day = 30; p < 0.06), or in the nymph predation rate
by a larval F. acarisuga was 50.4 eggs (~ 38% between (0 + 1) and (1 + 1) ratio (eggs +
predation) at a prey density of 101–140 eggs nymphs) (t = 0.645, df = 30; p < 0.52).
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Table 3. Prey-stage preferences of the three species of
Xiao and Fadamiro 2010). Opit et al. (1997)
predators when different ratios of eggs and/or nymphs of
Tetranychus urticae offered for 48 hrs under laboratory reported that F. acarisuga exhibited the Type
conditions. For each species, means in the same column
II functional responses to both female and
followed by same letters are not significantly different (p <
0.05, Student’s t-test). Comparisons were done only for egg male T. urticae, but did not study functional
predation rate at two ratios (1 + 1 vs. 1 + 0) and nymph
response to T. urticae eggs. Our study
predation rate at two ratios (1 + 1 vs. 0 + 1).
indicated that F. acarisuga larvae also had a

Type II functional response to the prey eggs,

and confirmed that N. californicus had a Type

II functional response to T. urticae eggs as

reported by other researchers (Laing and

Osborn 1974; Blackwood et al. 2001; Skirvin

and Fenlon 2003; Ahn et al. 2010; Xiao and

Fadamiro 2010). There are no other reports of

Similarly, for A. sw irskii, there was no A. swirskii showing a Type II functional

significantly higher egg predation rate when response to T. urticae eggs. The handling time

both prey eggs and n ymphs were provided and the attack rate have been used to

compared to when only prey eggs were determine the magnitude of functional

offered (t = 1.77, df = 22; p < 0.08), and no responses. The handling time estimate was the

significantly higher nymph predation rate cumulative effect of time taken during

when both eggs and nymphs were provided capturing, killing, and digesting the prey
compared to when only the prey-nymphs were (Holling 1959, 1961). In our study, larval F.
offered (t =1.017, df = 22; p < 0.319). For N. acarisuga spent the shortest amount of
californicus, there was not a significantly handling time (0.096/hr) to feed on eggs
higher egg predation rate when both eggs and compared to female of A. swirskii (0.518/hr)
nymphs were provided compared to when and female of N. californicus (1.732/hr),
only eggs were offered (t = 1.34, df = 22; p < suggesting F. acarisuga had a much stronger
0.192). However, a significantly higher predation response than the two species of
nymph predation rate was observed when both predatory mites. The almost equal attack rates
eggs and nymphs were provided compared to in the three predator species indicated that
when only nymphs were offered (t = 3.178, df these predators had similar feeding behaviors
= 22; p < 0.004) (Table 3). (Table 2).

Discussion The three predators differed in their percent
predation. Larval F. acarisuga consumed
The functional responses of three predator more prey eggs (> 50 eggs per larva per arena
species per day at maximum) than female N.
The present study showed that the functional californicus (25.6 eggs per larva) and female
responses of the three species followed the A. swirskii (15.1 eggs per larva) (Figure 2).
Type II (convex) models (Figure 1). This was Also, female of N. californicus produced more
not surprising since many predators used as eggs (~8 eggs per female per leaf disc) than
successful biological control agents showed female A. swirskii did when fed on the same
the Type II functional responses (Laing and prey eggs, suggesting that N. californicus was
Osborn 1974; Clercq et al. 2000; Reis et al. more favorable to T. urticae than A. swirskii.
2003; Badii et al. 2004; Timms et al. 2008; On the other hand, A. swirskii is an effective
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Journal of Insect Science: Vol. 13 | Article 8 Xiao et al.
predatory mite currently used for controlling predator of multiple pests. Future studies on
two key pests, S. dorsalis (Arthurs et al. 2009) interactions of multiple predatory species for
and B. Tabaci in greenhouses (Lee et al. 2011; managing T. urticae and multiple pests are
Xiao et al. 2012). Thus, the use of A. swirskii warranted.
could provide an option for controlling
multiple pests in vegetable production. Acknowledgments

Prey-stage preferences of the three The authors would like to thank Katherine
predators Houben, Fabieli Irizarry, Irma Herrera, and
The results on prey-stage preference Younes Belmourd for their technical
suggested that the three predator species assistance in the laboratory and greenhouses.
equally preferred to feed on both eggs and Funding for this study was provided by grants
nymphs of T. urticae. These findings from the EPA, the USDA-ARS Floriculture
concurred with reports for F. acarisuga (Opit and Nursery Research Initiative, and UF/IFAS
et al. 1997) and for N. californicus Line Item grants program.
(Blackwood et al. 2001). However, other
reports suggested that N. californicus References
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